Origin, Meaning, And History Of Melanie
Melanie is a name of Greek origin and means “black,” “dark,” “blackness,” and “dark-skinned.” It is also the French version of the Latin name Melania. Two Roman saints in the 5th century bore the Latin name Melania. They were grandmother and granddaughter and were well-known figures in the Catholic ascetic movement. The granddaughter, Melania the Younger, was known for her generosity and donated all her wealth to charity.
The name Melanie was popular in the Middle Ages in France. It later traveled to England and other European countries. Once it crossed the seas and entered the United States, the name caught on quickly. The name remained in vogue in France for a long time. In 2004, the name ranked 86th in France. It is sometimes spelled as the more stylish Mélanie in French. As time passed, Melania gave way to the compact Melanie.
Though Melanie had been around since the Middle Ages, it became popular in the US. only in the late 1930s. This popularity is attributed to Melanie Hamilton’s character in Margaret Mitchell’s 1936 classic novel “Gone with the Wind” and its film adaptation of the same name in 1939.
Melanie has different variations, such as Melany, Melani, Melaney, Mellonie, Melony, Melonie, and Mellany. In addition, you can use various quirky nicknames for Melanie, such as Mel, Melly, Lani, Mela, or Meli. This gentle name allows many variations without taking away from the original.
The name Melanie has made several appearances in pop culture apart from “Gone with the Wind.” Melanie Barnett is a character in the American sitcom “The Game.” Melanie Bush is a central character in the popular British sci-fi TV series “Doctor Who.” Melanie Stryder is the protagonist of “The Host,” a science-fiction novel by Stephanie Meyer. Melanie Walker holds a popular role in the DCAU cartoon “Batman Beyond.” Melanie Marcus is a character in the TV series “Queer as Folk.” Melanie Jonas is a recurring character in the soap opera “Days of Our Lives.” Finally, Melanie Jane “Mel” Owen is a famous British soap opera “EastEnders” character.
Melanie
How To Pronounce Melanie?
The way you pronounce a name can make all the difference.
Listen to the sound of the name Melanie in English.
Famous People With The Name Melanie
- Melanie MayronAward-winning American actor known for her role in ABC drama in “thirtysomething”
- Melanie MartinezAmerican singer and songwriter known for appearing on “The Voice” and the single “Dollhouse”
- Melanie MartinezActress and comedian, host of “The Good Night Show”
- Melanie GriffithAward-winning American actress known for her roles in “Body Double” and “Working Girl”
- Mélanie HahnemannFrench doctor who is the first female French homeopathic physician
Melanie On The Popularity Chart
The name Melanie has seen quite a few ups and downs in the last few years. These SSA charts tell us how the name has fared.
Popularity Over Time
In 1980, the name Melanie was highly prevalent with 4,842 babies per million being given this name. Then the popularity decreased and increased in turns over the next 40 years.
Source: Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
The name Melanie has been ranked in the top 100 and top 200 over the last 40 years, starting with the 1980s. In 2021, the name ranked 129.
Source: Social Security AdministrationNames With Similar Sound As Melanie
If you like the name Melanie, you may also like these names with a similar sound. Check out the list below.
Popular Sibling Names For Melanie
If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with Melanie, check our suggestions here.
Boy Sibling Names For Melanie
Find matching brother names for Melanie and create a wonderful team of siblings.
MaalinMaelwine Mahlon Malan Malang Malank Mallan Mallin Mallinath Mallinga Girl Sibling Names For Melanie
Looking for some suitable sister names for Melanie? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.
MalindaMalynda Melanee Melaney Melania Melantha Melantho Melany Melena Melenna Other Popular Names Beginning With M
Looking for more baby names starting with the letter M to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.
Names With Similar Meaning As Melanie
If you liked the meaning of Melanie, you may like these names that have a similar meaning. Find your pick here.
Infographic: Know The Name Melanie‘s Personality As Per Numerology
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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How To Communicate The Name Melanie In Other Languages
In Nautical Flags
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In Sign Language
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In Braille Alphabet
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In Morse Code
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Name Numerology For Melanie
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of the name Melanie?
The name Melanie means ‘black’ or ‘dark.’
2. What is the origin of the name Melanie?
Melanie has a Greek origin.
3. How to pronounce the name Melanie?
Melanie is pronounced as meh-luh-nee.
4. What are some middle names that go well with Melanie?
Melanie, a feminine name associated with the meaning of dark, could find a beautiful balance when paired with middle names with brightness attributes. Some excellent examples include Bertha, Clara, Phoebe, Roxana, and Shirley.
5. What are some famous historical figures named Melanie?
Melanie Klein was an Austrian-British author and psychoanalyst known for her contributions to the field of child analysis and developing object relations theory. Further, Mélanie Bonis was a French composer known for composing over 300 musical pieces, including various musical forms.
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